How To Add A Tactical Rail To A Remington 870 Hardwood Home Defense

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Introduction

When it comes to home defense, having a reliable and effective firearm is crucial. The Remington 870 Hardwood is a popular choice among homeowners seeking a powerful shotgun for protection. However, some may find the lack of a tactical rail on the Remington 870 a limitation when it comes to mounting accessories such as flashlights, lasers, or optics.

Luckily, adding a tactical rail to your Remington 870 Hardwood is a straightforward process that allows you to enhance its functionality and increase its versatility. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of adding a tactical rail to your Remington 870 Hardwood home defense shotgun.

By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to customize your Remington 870 to suit your specific needs and optimize your home defense setup.

Before we begin with the process, let’s gather the necessary materials.

Required Materials

Before you start adding a tactical rail to your Remington 870 Hardwood, make sure you have the following materials on hand:

1. Remington 870 Hardwood shotgun
2. Tactical rail kit (compatible with Remington 870)
3. Useful tools such as a screwdriver, Allen wrench, and a torque wrench
4. Safety goggles and gloves
5. A clean and well-lit workspace

Ensure that the tactical rail kit you purchase is specifically designed for the Remington 870 shotguns. This will ensure a proper fit and an easy installation process.

Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, you are ready to move on to the next step: preparation.

Step 1: Preparation

Before you begin the process of adding a tactical rail to your Remington 870 Hardwood, it’s important to ensure you have a clean and safe workspace to work in. Clear off any clutter and have a well-lit area where you can comfortably work on your shotgun.

Next, make sure you have all the required materials mentioned earlier in this guide. Double-check that you have the correct tactical rail kit that is compatible with the Remington 870 shotgun.

For your safety, put on protective goggles and gloves. These will prevent any flying debris or accidental slips from causing harm during the installation process.

With your workspace prepared and safety precautions in place, you’re now ready to move on to the next step: disassembling the Remington 870

Step 2: Disassembling the Remington 870

Before you can add a tactical rail to your Remington 870 Hardwood, you’ll need to disassemble the shotgun. This will allow you to access the necessary components and make the installation process easier.

Follow these steps to disassemble your Remington 870:

1. Ensure that your shotgun is unloaded and that there are no rounds in the chamber or magazine tube.
2. Place the shotgun on a stable surface and locate the takedown pin located on the front of the trigger guard.
3. Using an appropriate tool, such as a screwdriver or an Allen wrench, push out the takedown pin. This will allow you to separate the barrel and the receiver.
4. Remove the barrel by pulling it away from the receiver.
5. With the barrel removed, you can now access the forend assembly. Hold the forend firmly and slide it forward, away from the receiver until it detaches.
6. Once the forend is removed, you can now easily access the magazine tube and the receiver.

By following these steps, you have successfully disassembled your Remington 870 Hardwood shotgun. Now, you’re ready to proceed to the next step: attaching the tactical rail.

When adding a tactical rail to a Remington 870 Hardwood Home Defense, make sure to choose a rail that is compatible with the shotgun’s design and that is easy to install without modifying the gun.

Step 3: Attaching the Tactical Rail

With your Remington 870 Hardwood shotgun disassembled, you can now proceed to attach the tactical rail. The tactical rail serves as a stable platform for mounting accessories like flashlights, lasers, or optics.

Follow these steps to attach the tactical rail:

1. Take the tactical rail kit and align it with the mounting holes on the receiver of your Remington 870.
2. If necessary, apply a small amount of gun oil or thread locker to the screws provided in the tactical rail kit. This will help prevent loosening over time due to recoil.
3. Place the screws through the mounting holes in the tactical rail and thread them into the corresponding holes in the receiver.
4. Using a screwdriver or an Allen wrench, tighten the screws securely, but be careful not to overtighten and damage the receiver.
5. Double-check that the tactical rail is properly aligned and securely attached to the receiver.

By following these steps, you have successfully attached the tactical rail to your Remington 870 Hardwood shotgun. Now, let’s move on to the next step: aligning and securing the rail.

Step 4: Aligning and Securing the Rail

After attaching the tactical rail to your Remington 870 Hardwood shotgun, it’s important to ensure that it is properly aligned and securely attached. This step will ensure that your accessories mount correctly and that the rail remains in place during use.

Follow these steps to align and secure the rail:

1. Inspect the rail to ensure that it is parallel and centered along the length of the receiver. Adjust it if necessary to achieve proper alignment.
2. Check that all screws are tightened securely. Use a torque wrench or similar tool to ensure the screws are tightened to the recommended specifications provided by the manufacturer.
3. Test the rail by applying gentle pressure and checking for any wobbling or movement. If any looseness is detected, double-check the tightness of the screws and adjust as needed.
4. Once you are satisfied with the alignment and security of the rail, move on to the next step: reassembling the Remington 870.

By following these steps, you have successfully aligned and secured the tactical rail on your Remington 870 Hardwood shotgun. Now, let’s move on to the final step: reassembling the shotgun.

Step 5: Reassembling the Remington 870

After completing the previous steps of adding a tactical rail to your Remington 870 Hardwood shotgun, it’s time to reassemble the firearm. Reassembling the shotgun correctly ensures that it functions properly and is ready for use.

Follow these steps to reassemble your Remington 870:

1. Take the forend assembly and slide it back onto the magazine tube, aligning it with the receiver.
2. With the forend in place, slide the barrel back onto the receiver. Ensure that it fully seats and aligns with the barrel lug on the receiver.
3. Line up the takedown pin hole on the barrel and the receiver. Insert the takedown pin back into place and secure it.
4. With the shotgun reassembled, check that all components are properly aligned and seated.
5. Perform a function check by pulling the trigger to ensure that the shotgun operates as expected.

Once you have completed these steps, you have successfully reassembled your Remington 870 Hardwood shotgun after adding the tactical rail.

Remember to double-check that all screws and components are secure before using the shotgun. It is also important to follow all safety precautions and guidelines provided by the manufacturer.

Congratulations! You have successfully added a tactical rail to your Remington 870 Hardwood shotgun, enhancing its versatility and allowing you to customize it for your home defense needs.

As with any firearm modification or customization, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations. Ensure that adding a tactical rail to your shotgun remains legal in your jurisdiction.

With your Remington 870 Hardwood now equipped with a tactical rail, you can confidently accessorize it to optimize your home defense setup for increased safety and effectiveness.

Stay safe and continue to prioritize responsible firearm ownership and usage.

Happy shooting!

Conclusion

Adding a tactical rail to your Remington 870 Hardwood shotgun can significantly enhance its functionality and versatility for home defense purposes. The process of adding a tactical rail may seem daunting at first, but by following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this guide, you can easily customize your shotgun to suit your specific needs.

By attaching a tactical rail, you gain the ability to mount accessories such as flashlights, lasers, or optics, giving you improved visibility and aiming capabilities in low-light situations. This customization allows you to tailor your Remington 870 to your personal preferences and optimize your home defense setup.

Remember to always prioritize safety during the installation process and adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines. It is crucial to handle firearms responsibly and to be familiar with the laws and regulations regarding modifications in your jurisdiction.

With the tactical rail successfully attached and your Remington 870 Hardwood shotgun reassembled, you now have a versatile and powerful home defense weapon at your disposal. Take the time to practice and become comfortable with your shotgun, ensuring that you are confident and proficient in its usage.

As always, responsible firearm ownership is of the utmost importance. Securely store your shotgun in a locked safe or cabinet, keeping it out of reach of unauthorized individuals, especially children.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you have taken a proactive step towards enhancing your home security and personal safety. Remember to continually educate yourself on best practices in home defense and stay up-to-date with any advancements in firearm technology.

Stay safe, stay informed, and always prioritize the well-being of yourself and your loved ones.